Energy networks prepare to blend hydrogen into the gas grid for the first time

Energy networks are preparing to dilute Britain’s natural gas grid with low-carbon hydrogen for the first time in a radical bid to cut emissions from the country’s heating system.

Within weeks, a consortium of grid operators and experts will begin safety work in 130 homes and businesses before blending hydrogen into the methane-rich gas which has been used to heat British households and companies for over 50 years.

For over a year National Grid’s gas network spin-off Cadent Gas and Northern Gas Networks have studied plans to pipe hydrogen directly into the natural gas grid in partnership with Keele University. The Hydeploy consortium plans to inject enough hydrogen to fill 20pc of the gas grid, before rolling out the project across larger ­areas.

Blending hydrogen across the whole of the UK could save 6m tons of carbon every year, or the equivalent of removing 2.5m cars from the roads.

A report from KPMG found that converting the UK to hydrogen gas could be £150bn to £200bn cheaper than rewiring British homes to use electric heating powered by lower-carbon sources.

However, it could still mean a £170 hike in annual gas bills by 2050.

Crucially, KPMG said ­hydrogen heating would be the least hassle for energy customers because very few appliances would need to be replaced.

The existing gas grid would need only minor upgrades because it was originally designed for hydrogen before the North Sea boom provided a flood of cheap natural gas to burn ­instead.

The plan is a crucial part of efforts to cut carbon from heating, which makes up almost a fifth of the UK’s total carbon emissions, because hydrogen produces only water vapour and heat when burned – with no carbon ­emissions.

The ambitious project, which is being supported by government-backed innovation funding, officially launches next month.